Crews battling Central Utah wildfire by land and air

MINERSVILLE — Lightning is suspected of starting a 4,000-acre wildfire near the border of Beaver and Iron counties Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, officials reported the blaze area had doubled to 8,500 acres.

According to spokeswoman Kelly Washburn, the fire is believed to have started around 4:30 p.m. north of Badger Peak and west of Minersville. A crew of three helicopters, three single-engine air tankers and seven wildland trucks are battling the blaze, which has not been contained as of Saturday night.

Several public lands roads were closed in the area, but no major roads or structures are threatened, fire officials say.

Saturday evening, U.S. Bureau of Land Management fire spokesman Nick Powell said the blaze had grown about 50 additional acres, but added, "I think things are probably looking fairly good."

A possible breakout from the main fire is being reported in an area about 18 miles north of Cedar City and five miles south of Minersville, Powell said.